Good morning everyone, it’s Real Weddings Wednesday! You know the drill.  Today we’re getting the inside scoop on Pao + Duane’s romantic wedding set in an elegant mansion complete with beautiful fountains, grand staircases, pops of green, and lots of love!

Wedding sign welcoming guests

Tell us a little about you and your beloved.

My husband and I met at a church Halloween party and became friends after continually running into each other at church events. Things turned romantic and we became a couple two years after meeting. He initially proposed to me (without a ring I might add) while vacationing in Japan, so I thought he was joking. After we came back from our trip, however, he officially proposed to me (with the ring he picked out, which was ready once we got back) on our date night in Benicia, CA at the waterfront on June 15, 2019.

 

What was the best part of your wedding day?

Celebrating with more of our friends and loved ones was truly a blessing. We had to postpone our big wedding due to COVID, so it was nice to finally celebrate our special day the way we wanted and to catch up with those we haven’t seen in years!

Bride and groom getting married Newlyweds walking down the aisle and celebrating

What else would you like to share about your big day?
Since I’m multiracial, my husband and I wanted to somehow incorporate it into our wedding. That being said, I walked down the aisle to a very famous love song in the Philippines that was sung by the late Nat King Cole. Since my father passed away the year prior, I made sure to dance to a song all in Tagalog for a special moment with my mom (for our mother-daughter dance).

Bride and groom taking photos by fountainNewlyweds posing by fountain

What advice would you give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?

Hire a wedding planner, be flexible, and don’t let anyone try to ruin your special day (be wise who you ask to be in your bridal party and who you invite to the wedding)!

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance?

If we could’ve done things differently, my husband and I would’ve either had fewer bridesmaids and groomsmen or just asked other, mature people to be in our bridal party (aka ones that wouldn’t cause drama).

Bride dancing on the dance floor Bride and groom slow dancing

Photos courtesy of and copyright Adrienne & Dani Photography used with permission.

Want more Real Weddings Wednesdays Inspiration? Click here!